Williamson School Board – November 14, 2012

The November 14, 2012 meeting of the Williamson Central School District Board of Education opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Student representative Alexis Ginther reported that the Boys Soccer team is heading to state competition this weekend, final preparations are underway for the senior trip, and rehearsals continue for the winter musical “Little Shop of Horrors.” She also reported that the National Honor Society recently held a blood drive that was very successful with a large number of donors.
Under Reports from District Administrators, Andrew Wahl reported that teacher rounds were recently held at the high school with Chad Smith, Tom Schulte and Nicole Baker participating. It was a productive experience and the teachers received some helpful tools. John Fulmer reported on the success of the musical, Fame Jr., and thanked Erica Hernandez and the parent volunteers for their work with the students. He highlighted the extracurricular advisors Carrie Finley, Cathie Abdunnasir, Deb DelPlato, Mary Freischlag, Della Ludwig, Heather Maloney and Carol McMahon for the time and energy they put into their programs. He also highlighted Paula Shultes for her help with the transition to a new guidance secretary. Amy Busby also reported on teacher rounds. She commented that Christie Graves’ lesson incorporated the new ELA modules and was an excellent example for the new teachers. She was awed by the successful Big Pumpkin Day. Wanda Miller reported on recent DASA training with the student aides. She also reported that she is working with the aides on plans to help students find ways to become more independent. Gary Barno reported that Pam Thomson informed him that Wegman’s, Civic Betterment, the Candy Kitchen, Cam’s, Cornerstone Realty, IGA, Henner Automotives, DeLue Trucking and many other community organizations have donated food and other items for the boy’s soccer team’s trip to Middletown this weekend.. He also reported that the internal auditors will be reviewing the extra classroom accounts and he highlighted the extra classroom treasurers for their hard work monitoring the accounts. Wendy Havens reported that the district is taking on more training issues in house. Several teachers have attended sessions in Albany and returned to the district to train others. At the end of the month Amy Vandergrift, Lori Miller, Sue Collins, Amy Busby and Nina Caraveo will return to Albany for more turnkey training. She expressed her appreciation to them for taking on this task. Superintendent Ehresman reported there will be a parade through town for the soccer team prior to their leaving for Middletown.
Under Board Committee Reports, Board members commented on various events and meetings that have occurred in recent weeks. The Board reviewed the Treasurer’s Report.
Andrew Wahl and Ingrid Wander, District Social Worker, presented information on Check & Connect, a program developed to engage students in their education. The program is designed for high school students to keep them in school. One of the key elements to the success of the program is building a relationship with the student and connecting with them and their family. There are currently nine students in the program. Mr. Wahl and Ms. Wander meet with them daily/weekly to monitor progress and discuss solutions as problems arise. The program adds little or no cost to the district while helping those students at risk before they reach a critical situation.
With the approval of the Consent Agenda, several substitutes and a volunteer were approved. The Board also approved the appointments of Timothy Tyler, Long-Term Substitute for Jamie Sonneville, Director of Technology, the Extra Curricular appointment of Miranda Foss, High School AV Coordinator for the 2012-2013 school year and Deb DelPlato, JV Indoor Track coach.
Under New Business the Board approved the following items:
• Excess of equipment
• 2011-2012 Audit Correction Action Plan
• Resolution to amend the Williamson Central School District 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Modifications made by the Non-Monroe County Municipal School District Program (NMCMSDP) Board of Directors to the Municipal Cooperative Agreement (MCA), Article II-Membership, Item 5 – Withdrawal of Membership
• Resolution for Substitute Bus Driver License Fees
• Excess of scrap metal to Alpco Recycling
• Award the snow plowing contract to All-County Construction
• Paid/unpaid Child Rearing leave beginning on or about January 22, 2013 through the remainder of the 2012-2013 School Year for Jamie Sonneville, Director of Technology
• A one day leave of absence for Melissa Plyter
Gary Barno presented an overview of the 2013-2014 budget. The district has had a flat budget for the past four years and we have reached the point where that is no longer possible given the rise in health care, retirement fund contributions and program costs. Based on current projections the district is looking at a shortfall of over $1,000,000. The district has developed a reliance on reserves which will deplete them within five years. He reviewed potential strategies to balance the budget which include lobbying for more state aid or changes in retirement, sharing services across districts and reducing or eliminating non-mandated programs.

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